On Tuesday of our trip, our group had the incredible opportunity to visit Čez group at their Mělník coal power plant. Thanks to the incredible generosity and extensive experience of the tour guides, we received a comprehensive background tour of the power plant. Along the way we had the chance to see all phases of the cycle, including how the brown coal is pressure treated and heated extensively so that it can be used to create steam and turn high and low pressure turbines. While I expected the facility to be massive, I was not expecting it to be quite as complicated as it was. For context, of the 28 floors of the plant, every 3 floors was separated by so many cables and pipes, that you would not be able to see beyond it.
After a fantastic lunch provided by Čez, we got in off-roading trucks and adventured down into one of the local mines from which the brown coal is sourced. In my opinion, this was the most intriguing and engaging experience of the entire trip. What fascinated me most was the candor and easy-going nature of all the miners who were talking about government regulations and how the coal production would soon shut down in 2033. Even though they would not be continuing to work in their industry, it was a great example of how government planning and forecasting can change public opinion, especially if the government is going to help workers re-train and find new positions. While the day was dominated by large machinery and exciting adventures, I walk away with another fascinating new perspective on the Czech government and its successes.
Swanson School of Engineering 